In my current role, I am responsible for creating reference designs for Automotive Infotainment systems using integrated circuits (ICs) from Texas Instrument’s (TI’s) portfolio. Additionally I am responsible for working with the Business Units within TI to help identify gaps in TI’s portfolio and how we can develop new products to fulfill those gaps.

Why Engineering?

Starting in grade school it was obvious that I was a builder and creator. I loved to draw, paint, and do arts and crafts. But when my dad gave me my first junior circuit board, a new type of creating was introduced in my life. As I grew older, I also developed an interest in math and science and by the time I enrolled in my first physics class, I could finally apply math to science and understand how to create things. Naturally, the delight I found in creating combined with my passion for math and science pushed me towards engineering.

School Days

I did my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at University of California, Davis. I am currently applying to Part-Time graduate schools to get my MBA in Technical Management

My Day At Work

I get to do so many different things in my current role! I get to travel, build circuit boards, and understand market trends and what that means for new products. I also get to help and learn from so many different people around the world.

Best Part

I get to create things!

Proud Moments

Other than earning my degree in electrical engineering which was considerably challenging, getting to the place where I am considered a go-to resource or “expert” in regards to infotainment media interface has been an important accomplishment. It has helped increase my credibility with managers and business units across TI.

Challenges

I have been rejected by schools and jobs, I’ve had to work with difficult managers, coworkers, and customers. I’ve spent hours in the lab trying to figure out the smallest issue that is stopping the whole design from working. I’ve faced sexism many times in this male dominated industry but through it all I’ve taken it one step at a time. Just like with an engineering problem, sometimes you have to just have to take a step back and think, “Ok, that didn’t work, but what is the next step that I can try?” It’s also important to ask for help!

My Family

I just recently married my husband in September 2015 and we currently have two dogs. We were introduced by a good friend (and fellow electrical engineer) of mine in our last year of undergraduate school. My husband is a Mechanical Engineer at Tesla Motors. Additionally, my dad, his uncle and aunt are engineers as well!

Dreams and Goals

My short term goals include earning my MBA and learning more about the strategic part of business development when it comes to my current role especially with regards to the automotive infotainment and media interface industry. In the long run, I want to be able to someday run my own product line where I can lead the development of specific products and cater them to market needs.

Inspiration

Many people have helped encourage me and mentor me over the years. My dad has probably been the person that has helped influence my career choices the most, doing whatever it took to introduce me to people and career options. My mentors in high school and college have also had a great influence on my views and opinions of the world. I still appreciate the encouragement and advice from them. Additionally, in my career I have always sought out the mentorship to help guide me through my current and future roles!

Want to be an Engineer?

Just because you might not fit the stereotype of what a “typical engineer” is doesn’t mean that you can’t be an engineer. Don’t be afraid to be smart, take risks, try something new (that’s what engineering is all about!), and learn how you learn!

Additional Thoughts

I get to travel, build circuit boards, and understand market trends and what that means for new products. I also get to help and learn from so many different people around the world.

Hobbies

Outside of work I like to volunteer at a nearby elementary school, play with my dogs, paint, crochet, go on hikes, and do yoga.

Biography

I am a Systems Engineer for Texas Instruments where I focus on Automotive Infotainment Systems. I create reference design boards to help solve customers needs and identify where we might have market gaps in TI's portfolio. I love creating whether at work or at home. Some of my hobbies include gardening, yoga, painting and crocheting. You can often times find me hanging out with my doggies outside soaking in the sun when I can!

Hi Ranaya,
Congratulations and Go Ags!
I decided to focus more on Analog and Device Physics and it wasn't until I was in my junior year that I made that decision. At that point I had taken a variety of required classes that had emphasis on computer ...

Hi. I was wondering is majoring electrical and electronic engineering and minor in mechanical engineering too heavy? Does it goes well with each other? Im interesting in both and wonder whether it will be easier to get job with this combination. Have any advice? Thanks!

Hi Daphne,
Great question! I studied electrical engineering and my husband studied mechanical engineering at the same school. What was interesting about is coursework was that he was able to take a number of required electrical courses whereas I ...